Our Recent Beneficiaries

Every day we open our doors to hundreds of homeless people or those at risk of being homeless. Every time, it is people like you—the volunteers, community workers, Sisters, employees, and generous benefactors—who open their hearts and extend their hands to give a little comfort to and to form a bond with those who visit us so that they can take the first step towards reintegrating themselves into society

ACWS is an ambassador for women’s shelters in Alberta, providing support to members and leadership to leverage the collective knowledge: informing solutions to end domestic violence.
And we know that domestic violence can end.
Informed by our many initiatives, action-based research projects and data collection, ACWS develops leading-edge tools for shelters and calls the public to take action against domestic violence. Creating synergies around the globe, we are a founding member of both the global and Canadian networks of women’s shelters.
Because we know we are stronger together.
Every day, 41 ACWS members across the province do remarkable work. Shelters save lives, strengthen families and improve communities.

Who we are:

The mission of the ALS Society of Quebec spans the province. Our services are offered to everyone, free of charge. These include a telephone support and information line, equipment loan and financial assistance programs and tele-workshops that allow people with ALS and their families to connect with others who may be going through similar experiences.

Who we are:

Who we are:

Asia’s Hope is a multi-denominational, grassroots movement working in Cambodia, Thailand and India to provide quality long-term care for orphaned children at high risk of sexual and economic exploitation.

Who we are:

Since 1990 the Aurora Food Pantry has been distributing food at no cost to residents of Aurora and north Oak Ridges. The purpose of the food pantry is to provide food to those who demonstrate an immediate need. The clients who come to the Aurora Food Pantry for help have faced a variety of circumstances. For many, an unexpected expense, an illness, or accident, loss of income becomes a crisis which forces them to choose between paying for groceries, rent, or utilities. The Aurora Food Pantry provides food assistance to individuals and families during their toughest times. In 2014, the pantry provided meals for 6300 people in need in our community.

Who we are:

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of West Island provides life changing relationships to children who are struggling. Many children today face challenges such as bullying, low self-esteem, and isolation. We match these children with a positive role model and, through quality one-on-one mentoring, guide them to overcome their obstacles and empower them to reach their full potential, forever changing the child and their community.

Who we are:

We’re Big Brothers Big Sisters.

We believe every child should have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, both as individuals and citizens – that by doing so, they will not only do well, they will also do good.

We believe that by changing the course of young lives we can in turn bechanging the course of a community’s future. That it could lead to a reduction in poverty and unemployment. Or to safer schools and neighbourhoods. Or to a renewed optimism for growth. That it could even lead to change on a broader, more far-reaching scale.

We believe that opening a child’s eyes to what is – opens their mind to what could be.

For one hundred years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been making a positive difference in the lives of our nation’s youth by developing and implementing a wide range of mentoring programs. One-to-one and group programs, for both in school and outside of school

Who we are:

We’re Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Many children and youth in Canada struggle with societal barriers and face adversities in their lives like detrimental living conditions, family violence, risk factors for mental health, school issues and identity challenges.

These circumstances have nothing to do with the value of who they are or who they can become, but because of these situations, children and youth risk not having the opportunity to live up to their full potential.

Even worse is the possibility of continuing cycles of poverty and crime or developing mental health issues.

This comes at a cost to the young person, and to society.

With the guidance and support of a mentor, these risks can be reduced or even avoided, and youth are reminded they can be anything they dream of being.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada is a Federation comprised of 108 member agencies servicing more than 1,100 communities across the country. Together we mobilize over 21,300 volunteers who in turn mentor 41,700+ children and young people. That works out to nearly:

Who we are:

Blue Door Shelters, located in York Region, provides safe, supportive shelter and services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Founded in 1982, we operate three, no-fee, emergency shelters for families, men and youth.

Who we are:

Established in 1982, the Calgary Food Bank is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to gathering and distributing quality emergency food to those in need.

The majority of people we assist are working-poor Calgarians struggling to make ends meet. The Calgary Food Bank is not a government or United Way agency. We rely solely on the generous support of our community

Who we are:

Together, we will end homelessness in Calgary

In 2008, Canada’s first Plan to End Homelessness was launched with community committing to develop the resources and infrastructure necessary to end homelessness. The third update to the Plan was launched in March 2015 with an emphasis on collective impact and leadership to bring about the end of chronic homelessness by 2018. CHF provides necessary backbone supports and acts as the catalyst and enabler for Service Agencies and Systems to work collaboratively towards optimizing client success.

Who we are:

Calgary Meals on Wheels is a not-for-profit organization established on November 15, 1965 in response to an official request to the United Church Women by the Hospital Chaplaincy Committee of the Calgary Presbytery of the United Church, who expressed concerns that elderly people living alone were being discharged from hospitals with no support system during their convalescence.

Food is a basic need, a life necessity. What we eat or don’t eat affects our mental, emotional and physical well-being. There is a significant population in our city who, for various reasons, are not able to tend to their basic daily nutrition. Calgary Meals on Wheels is proud to provide programs that directly target the issues of poverty, and hunger.

Who we are:

Through integrated health care, education and housing services, CUPS empowers people to overcome the challenges of poverty and reach their full potential. Last year, CUPS worked with over 9,300 struggling Calgarians.

Because of your support, we are helping individuals, families and communities thrive.

Who we are:

The Women’s Centre provides a safe and supportive space accessed by thousands of women in Calgary annually. We offer women opportunities to both receive and provide support, connect with others and build community through a variety of programs. While the Women’s Centre is open to all women, 45% of the women who access our services and volunteer their time are living in poverty.

Who we are:

The Children’s Wish Foundation is a uniquely Canadian charity that helps Canadian children, families and communities by granting the favourite wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. With every wish that we grant, we create moments of joy that ease the pain of a child, give respite to the child’s family, and connect healthcare professionals and communities in that burning wish of hope.

Who we are:

The CLSC Lac-Saint-Louis and Pierrefonds Foundation has existed for more than 10 years and has collected funds used to carry out projects linked to the health and the social services departments of the CLSC of Lac-Saint-Louis and Pierrefonds. These funds make it possible to assist with people who have lost autonomy and the families of children or teenagers who have particular needs: subsidies for a child or a teenager with a disability to take part in a day camp, to offer respite to an overloaded family, to buy specialized equipment, etc

Our Mission:

Who we are:

For 50 years, Distress Centres has provided 24-hour support, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to individuals in our community at risk and their most vulnerable. We are Canada’s oldest volunteer delivered crisis, emotional support and suicide prevention + intervention + postvention service agency.

Our crisis and emotional distress services are available via hotline, online chat, and text. We also offer face-to-face individual as well as group support and counselling to those who have lost a loved one to suicide or homicide and are navigating the aftermath. Distress Centres continues to expand, and our program participants & call volume increases each year.

Distress Centres now answers more than 82,000+ calls annually, and is a pilot site for the recently launched National Suicide Hotline (Canadian Suicide Prevention Service) via Crisis Service Canada.

Who we are:

Hope and Healing Through Connection

DHH is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life through the provision of non-medical support for those affected by or caring for an individual with a life-threatening illness, as well as bereavement support.

Who we are:

Easter Seals Alberta is a registered charity that has been serving Albertans since 1951. Our mission is to provide services that foster inclusion, independence and recreation for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions.

Who we are:

The Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau is dedicated to fighting against pediatric cancer. Its mission is to finance research and support the development of projects intended to improve the lives of thousands of children with cancer in Quebec.

Who we are:

While we continue to provide assistance to help address the immediate needs of the community, we also recognize that emergency food as a stand-alone is not a long-term solution. In 2013, we completed the organization’s first strategic plan and are moving beyond food in isolation into a model that helps foster a path towards self-sufficiency. This is a model rooted in education, empowerment and sustainability.

Who we are:

HealthBridge Foundation of Canada works with partners worldwide to improve health and health equity through research, policy and action.

HealthBridge is an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization that has been working since 1982 in Asia, Africa and the Americas. We aim to improve the health of vulnerable populations, including those at risk of malnutrition, infectious disease and emerging epidemics, such as obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), by bridging the gap between needs and technologies, evidence and policies, and policies and practice.

In 2016 HealthBridge began working with local partners in the remote regions of Banke District, Nepal and Son La Province, Vietnam to reduce preventable maternal and child illness and death and improve nutrition for vulnerable mothers and children. The Saving lives of mothers and children in Nepal and Vietnam project engages local partners to assess critical gaps in maternal and child health, develop innovative and locally appropriate solutions to address the gaps, and strengthen the capacity of health providers and systems to better foster good health in their communities. The program operates entirely within existing health systems and with the support of local governments to ensure quality health services are accessible over the long-term.

Since launching in 2016, the project has benefitted over 35,000 vulnerable women and children in Nepal and Vietnam.

Who we are:

The Hope & Cope Compassionate Fund is a unique program designed to help patients with cancer and their families who are experiencing financial difficulties and don’t have access to other family or community support.

The Fund responds to urgent requests from patients coping not only with the physical and emotional side effects of cancer, but also with the financial devastation that can occur when a patient can no longer work due to illness. It is entirely supported through the generosity of private donors.

Who we are:

Hope began with a meal
In 1929, Reverend Harold Edwardson established a soup kitchen in Edmonton’s inner-city serving meals to hundreds of people struggling with unemployment and homelessness at the onset of the Depression.

Today Hope Mission has grown into a not-for-profit Christian social care agency caring for impoverished and homeless men, women and children in Alberta.

Basic and emergency care are provided to over 800 people daily as well as counsel and referral services for men, women, and youth. Each day Hope Mission provides over 1000 meals, and shelter for over 500 people. Specialized care and treatment is offered for men and women through faith-based addiction treatment programs. Hope Mission also facilitates an after school recreation and hot meal program for children, summer camps for inner-city children and youth and operates a year-round Youth Sports Centre.

Hope Mission continues to reach out to the inner city community through special seasonal meals and events and personal contact. We operate a 24/7 Rescue Van which provides emergency care for people in need as well as an inner city community church. Counselors, chaplains and volunteers visit people on the street, in prisons, hospitals and other agencies. Furthermore, Hope Mission’s Hope Bargain Shoppe provides clients with clothing, blankets and workwear while generating revenue which directly supports our programs and services.

In all, our desire is to provide compassionate care and offer hope to hurting, hungry and homeless people in Edmonton.

Who we are:

For almost twenty years, Inn from the Cold has operated as an agency of last resort for those children and their families who find themselves, literally, with no place else to go. We go far beyond provision of shelter, food, and clothing. Our services also focus on the many support needs that ensure children and their families begin the process of recovering their dignity, their self-worth, their independence, and their hope. We offer shelter, sanctuary, and healing through an integrated continuum of services that includes emergency shelter, instrumental needs, primary medical care, case management, therapeutic early childhood programming, supported housing, and an open door policy to all in need.

Who we are:

Michael Cuccione Foundation Kick For A Cure

Making a Difference in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Kick for a Cure is an awesome all day event in Coquitlam, BC. Soccer tournaments, kids soccer clinics, Canadian Tire Family Fun Zone, prizes, beer garden, food vendors, sports celebrities, and all day entertainment including live bands. Proceeds from the Kick For A Cure benefit the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program at BC Children’s Hospital. Join us July 23, 2016 and help kick childhood cancer where it hurts!

Who we are:

At Light a Dream, we believe that young adults living with an developmental delays are entitled to appropriate career training and vocational opportunities.

Our program involves partnerships between education and industry in an effort to better prepare the students for a successful vocational future. Through a mix of classroom experiences and hands-on training in a variety of job placements, we are able to develop their work and social skills and expand the students’ career choice opportunities.

Who we are:

A FOREVER FAMILY

Thanks to our more than 2,000 volunteers, generous donors and expert team, Little Brothers brings kindness, dignity, respect and joy to more than 1,400 elderly people in Quebec. Affectionately referred to as our Elder Friends, these once isolated seniors, aged 75 and up, can count on Little Brothers until the end of their lives.

Every day, our programs help create a family for older women and men who find themselves alone in life. We foster relationships between volunteers and Elder Friends by way of various celebrations throughout the year, our long-term pairing program, vacation getaways and our end-of-life commitment.

Little Brothers’ care and attention complements other social services available to seniors. But what truly sets us apart is our unconditional, personalized pledge to stay by our Elder Friends’ side until their very last breath.

Who we are:

The mission of the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre is to maximize our clients’ autonomy and community participation in order to improve their quality of life.

Working in a collaborative and interdisciplinary fashion this mission is realized through the provision of specialized and ultra-specialized adaptation, rehabilitation, and social integration services to people with a significant and persistent disability.

The Centre’s clients include children and youth with motor impairments or communication disorders, and people of all ages who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing or who have a visual impairment. In conjunction with our clinical mission, the Centre is committed to participating in the education of healthcare professionals and conducting applied research in the field of rehabilitation.

In addition to providing services in French and English, MAB-Mackay is designated by the Ministry of Health and Social Services as an establishment providing services in English to the population of Montréal and the Lanaudière, Laval, Montérégie and Northern Québec regions.

Who we are:

MADA is a volunteer-based organization that evolved from a small neighborhood center to Montreal’s central address for fighting poverty in our community
We provide our patrons with many social and crisis services free of charge, as well as serving as a safe haven for those in need.

Who we are:

The Madagascar School Project, also known as “The Tenaquip” school was first established in 2009.
Today (2016) there are now five, six classroom buildings, a two room infirmary, a large kitchen where the meals are prepared, a large dining room and meeting place, an administration building, a six apartment staff building as well as a two apartment guest buildings.
Most recently added were a rice mill, a chicken barn and a storage barn.
The last six classroom building will be completed in the spring of 2017, at which point the school will be able to accommodate 700 students and will be ready to graduate its first full class of students.
Each day the school educates feeds and gives hope to more than 600 people.

Who we are:

The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital – The Neuro, is a world-leading destination for brain research and advanced patient care. Since its founding in 1934 by renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield, The Neuro has grown to be the largest specialized neuroscience research and clinical centre in Canada, and one of the largest in the world. The seamless integration of research, patient care, and training of the world’s top minds make The Neuro uniquely positioned to have a significant impact on the understanding and treatment of nervous system disorders.

Who we are:

Moisson Montréal is a non-profit charity. We gather food donations and basic products all year long and free of charge, and distribute them to community organizations on the Island of Montreal. With your support, we have become the largest food bank in Canada distributing foodstuffs.

Who we are:

Who we are:

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those affected with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well funded research.

Who we are:

Our approach and methodology is recognized and respected as a preferred alternative to institutional care:helping those caught within the revolving door syndrome, or worse,the prospect of living on the streets-homeless.The Nazareth House Family remains dedicated to providing an environment that welcomes the forgotten,promotes social re-integration for the marginalized,and encourages all to find their potential.

Who we are:

The NDG Food Depot is a community-based non-profit organization that works collaboratively with community partners to address food insecurity in NDG and surrounding neighborhoods. Founded in 1986, the Depot has been a recognized independent charitable organization, with a volunteer Board of Directors, since 2003.

Who we are:

The mission of the Newmarket Food Pantry is to coordinate the efforts of the community in providing supplementary nutritional support to those in the Newmarket and East Gwillimbury areas who, through unemployment, disability or economic marginalization are unable to meet all of their dietary needs on their own.

Who we are:

NOVA West Island is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven, community-based healthcare organization with more than a century of providing comprehensive, compassionate, quality care to vulnerable individuals in the community. The primary mandate is to provide specialized care and support in the home to cancer and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) clients during the course of the illness and particularly in the palliative stage. Other programs include bereavement support for children and adults, adult day centers, home support services and foot care clinics. ALS and Alzheimer Caregivers Support Groups are also available.

Who we are:

For more than 100 years, the Old Brewery Mission has provided Emergency Services for homeless men and women in Montreal such as a safe refuge from the street, nourishing meals, warm showers and clean clothing.

We also offer our clients real solutions to homelessness through dynamicTransition Services and Housing Services. We’re dedicated to helping more homeless clients to transition out of shelter life and back into society.

The Old Brewery Mission has also developed its Services for Women division designed to respond to the specific needs of the staggering number of homeless women in Montreal.

Who we are:

On Rock Community Services is a community organization committed to making a difference in the Montreal area by being a resource for people in the community. This takes various forms, including a Food Bank, a School Lunch Program, and a Community Diner.
Imagine not being able to provide food for your family this evening, or having only enough to feed one of your children.

How do you choose? This is the everyday reality of families in our community. You can be part of the solution. Find out here how you can be involved in changing the lives of others, just by helping. Explore our site and then jump in. Run a food drive, volunteer or support us financially.

Who we are:

Options Bytown is a non-profit organization that provides HousingPlus services in Ottawa, combining affordable housing with on-site counselling, training and other services for people who need help to live independently

We help people who face social isolation and other complex challenges – individuals who may have very low incomes, a history of homelessness or special needs that may relate to mental illness, HIV/AIDS or substance use.

Who we are:

Established in 1969, Parkinson Society British Columbia, governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, receives no government funding and is supported entirely by donations from individuals, members, corporations, foundations and the dedicated efforts of volunteers.

Every person touched by Parkinson’s deserves to know that they are not alone in their journey. We are here for you. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is committed to offering support, sharing reliable information and raising funds for programs and research.

We are part of a strong community united in our dedication to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s.

Who we are:

The Centre Philou is a private not-for-profit, charitable organization that welcomes physically disabled children of up to fifteen years of age for different programs, including respite, stimulation and day camp.

Who we are:

Every day, millions of girls around the world are denied their basic human rights – simply because they’re girls. Because I am a Girl is a global initiative working to end gender inequality and promote girls’ rights..

Who we are:

Every day, thousands of Quebec women experience violence from their spouse or partner. They are beaten, raped or assaulted in different ways. Insidiously, behind closed doors, they get insulted, denigrated and experience constant control from their partner. They are slowly destroyed.

Unfortunately, their children assist too often to these aggressions. Too many are those living in terror and in fear to risk their life.

Founded in 1979, the West Island Women’s Shelter is a non-profit organization that has worked within the community for more than 38 years.

Working for a social change aimed to eliminate conjugal violence and its impacts on women and their children, we provide services that meet their needs for security, protection, information and support. Our services include a crisis line available 24/7, a temporary shelter, a second stage house, individual counselling, as well as support groups for women and children victims of conjugal violence. We also offer information sessions and training on issues concerning conjugal violence.

Who we are:

You Can Help Someone in Need, Today

Join one of Canada’s largest and most impactful charities to help make a difference in the lives of over two million Canadians each year.

As a donor to the only charity to receive an A+ in every category from Money Sense’s 2013 Canadian Charity Rating Report, you’ll know your contribution will have maximum impact on the lives of fellow Canadians.

Who we are:

The mission of The Retina Foundation of Canada is to cure retinal disease and preserve vision.
The goals of the Foundation are:

§ To improve patient care
§ To ensure the availability of qualified specialists
§ To promote on-going education and opportunities for exchange amongst professionals
§ To promote scientific research
§ To promote public awareness and early detection of retinal diseases

Who we are:

Santropol Roulant is an intergenerational community food hub where we grow, prepare and deliver food. In doing so, we create a continuum of engaging services that help build a stronger social fabric, and increase food security and social inclusion for Montrealers.

Who we are:

Second Harvest is the largest food rescue organization in Canada and a global thought leader on food recovery. With a goal to drastically reduce the amount of food wasted while ensuring people have access to the good, healthy food they need for success, Second Harvest works across the supply chain from farmer to retail to capture surplus food before it ends up in the landfill and negatively impacts our environment.

Who we are:

Shine Through The Rain does many things but all in the service of one goal. That goal is to help those who are affected by life threatening illnesses. Whether it’s through services or funds we seek to provide guidance, support, and financial aid to those in need. We help adults, children, and families find the silver lining. When things seem gloomy and you’re being rained on we’re here to help you shine through it.

Do you like what we do and would like to get involved? Along with many volunteer opportunities we also welcome a range of options for donations. Click the donate now button below to learn more about how you can contribute to our cause.

Who we are:

Established in 1980 at arm’s length from the Hospital and with an independent Board of Directors, the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation is “in the business of generating, safeguarding and growing revenue, relationships and resources to advance Southlake.”

Who we are:

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is a charitable organization dedicated to bringing smiles, laughter, joy and hope back into the lives of children with serious illnesses and their families. For over 20 years, we have partnered with some of the most respected hospitals, medical professionals and healthcare workers in the country to do just that.
We focus on the family as a whole at a time when they feel most isolated. Our unique programs and events provide an escape from the everyday realities of a prolonged
illness – and a chance to be just like any other family. And at Starlight, that makes us smile too

Who we are:

Toujours ensemble (Te) is a community organization that was founded in 1979 and established in Verdun since 1986. In addition to supporting its regular members, each year Toujours ensemble provides direct assistance to Verdun’s youth and their families, thus reaching near 1,000 people.

Who we are:

Serving Montreal’s disadvantaged since 1892!

Welcome Hall Mission actively works at reducing the poverty, loneliness and despair which are unfortunately widespread in Montreal, even if not always visible to the naked eye.

To combat these persistent problems, Welcome Hall Mission works constantly among the disadvantaged. Every day of the year, we bring help, hope and compassion to thousands.

Hunger, homelessness, addiction, and social exclusion can affect families and people of all origins, from all social classes and faiths. Homeless people, disadvantaged families, new immigrants, youth living on the street, teens and children can all find help with us.

Who we are:

West Island Citizen Advocacy is a registered charitable, non-profit community group whose mission is to recruit, screen, train, match and follow-up volunteer citizen advocates who work one-to-one or on a team with persons who are handicapped or are disadvantaged in our community.

Who we are:

Our mission is to make sure that help is available, right here in the West Island, to any resident in need. We do this by raising crucial funds for West Island charities that offer vital services and programs.

100% of the funds raised goes directly to the charities we fund because our Corporate Partners help to cover our costs of operations. Since 1998, we have distributed more than $8.5 million.

Who we are:

With its two facilities (Pavillon André-Brunet and Pavillon Stillview), the West Island Palliative Care Residence provides compassionate care allowing terminally ill patients to die in comfort and with dignity in a warm, home-like environment, close to their family, and in their community. We want our patients to live the final chapter of their lives in the best and most fulfilling manner possible. The Residence’s team of physicians, nurses, counselors, psychosocial care workers and volunteers work together to address the physical symptoms as well as the emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patients and their families.

Who we are:

The idea of Winnipeg Harvest came into fruition after founder Lee Newton, a Winnipeg graphic designer, saw a TV feature on New York’s only food bank at the time, City Harvest. The show had an impact on Newton, and she decided if no one was going to do something like this in Winnipeg, then she should.

Who we are:

The mission of the Women’s Centre of Montréal is to provide services to help women help themselves. To accomplish its mission, the Centre offers educational and vocational training, information, counseling and referral services.
This non-profit organization communicates women’s concerns to the public and acts as a catalyst for change regarding women’s issues.

Who we are:

World Vision Canada is the nation’s leading agency dedicated to improving the lives and futures of the world’s most vulnerable children. We have over 50 years of experience, our passionate staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing real and lasting change to over 100 million people in World Vision supported communities. But, we can only do this because you are committed to helping children.